Teen Talk

Are You a Good Friend to Yourself?

Every waking moment we talk to ourselves about the things we experience. Our self-talk, the thoughts we communicate to ourselves, in turn control the way we feel and act.

-John Lembo

What thoughts go through your mind? Are you critical or judgemental about yourself? Do you “beat yourself up”?

Listen to your self-talk. If your friend spoke to you that way, would you value that friendship. Counteract negative self-talk by advocating for yourself. Remind yourself about your abilities, skills and successes. Tell yourself something that is loving, positive and realistic like, “I’m getting better every day“. Let yourself off the hook. Be the kind of friend to yourself that you can value.